Western Union Launches First-Ever Mobile App with Send & Request Features in the Philippines

Wednesday, October 1, 2025


A new way for Filipinos to manage remittances and global money transfers

When it comes to Filipino families, remittances are more than just money—they’re lifelines that fund education, healthcare, and everyday essentials. Now, Western Union is making it easier than ever to send and receive funds with the launch of its brand-new mobile app in the Philippines.

The Philippines is the first country in the world where Western Union is rolling out an app that not only lets users send money abroad but also request remittances—a groundbreaking feature designed to match the needs of millions of Filipinos with loved ones overseas.

Seamless Global Transfers at Your Fingertips

With just a few taps, app users can send funds abroad through Western Union’s global financial network, which connects to billions of bank accounts, millions of digital wallets and cards, and hundreds of thousands of cash payout locations worldwide.

Payments are made easy with QR Ph, the national QR code system, ensuring a fast and secure process. Signing up is simple too—taking only a few minutes to get started.

For those receiving remittances, the app offers new flexibility. Recipients in the Philippines can:
  • Withdraw cash at Western Union locations
  • Transfer directly to a bank account
  • Receive funds in a digital wallet

Even better, receivers can redirect funds to their preferred payout method once the money has been sent from abroad.

A Game-Changer: Request Funds from Abroad

One of the most exciting features is the Request Money option. Filipinos can request funds from family and friends in countries like the U.S., Australia, Singapore, and the UK—all major hubs of the Filipino diaspora. Once the request is filled in, senders abroad can complete the transaction online in minutes.

This innovative feature makes it easier for families to stay connected financially, especially when unexpected expenses arise back home.

Western Union’s Commitment to Filipinos

Gregory Laurent, Western Union’s Vice President for the Philippines, Japan, Australia, New Zealand & Pacific Islands, emphasized the importance of this launch. He explained that for many Filipinos, remittances symbolize hope and opportunity. With more Filipinos also sending funds abroad, Western Union’s new app bridges both needs with flexibility and trust.

Why It Matters: Remittances in the Philippine Economy

Remittances remain a driving force in the local economy. According to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, cash inflows reached a record-high $38 billion in 2024. Meanwhile, the World Bank ranked the Philippines as having the fourth-highest remittance levels among low- and middle-income countries worldwide.

The top source of remittances? The United States, followed closely by Singapore.

With Western Union’s new app, these inflows become even more seamless, allowing families to access and manage their money faster.

Download and Start Sending Today

The Western Union app is now available on both the App Store and Google Play. Whether you’re sending support to loved ones or requesting funds from abroad, this tool makes money management across borders more convenient than ever.
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